Review of The Jayhawks – Sound Of Lies (Expanded Edition) (Universal Music Canada)

Soldiering on following the departure of founding member Mark Olson, The Jayhawks 1997 album Sound Of Lies is, in my opinion, one of the group’s most defining moments. The sound of loss (“Trouble,” “Sound of Lies”) and hopelessness (“Think About It,” “Sixteen Down”) lend way to an occasional hint of optimism (“Big Star”), ultimately coalescing into something truly magical. This newest edition boasts alternate versions of two album tracks but also offers songs previously unavailable in North America, including the stunning “I Hear You Cry” and “Sleepyhead.” Sound Of Lies is a modern day masterpiece.